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Revealed: how Dubai is growing its F&B appeal

More than 470 new outlets open in the first half of 2018, says Dubai Municipality

By Sam Bridge

Thu 05 Jul 2018 02:03 PM

More than two new food outlets opened in Dubai every day during the first half of 2018, according to Dubai Municipality.

During the first six months of this year, 473 new food outlets were opened, marking an increase of 7 percent over the same period last year, said Sultan Ali Al Taher, acting director of Food Safety Department, Dubai Municipality.

He said that food and beverage sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in Dubai, which is very attractive for investment due to the fast paced urban development witnessed by the city.

He added that most of these food establishments are located in the new areas of Dubai with the total number reaching 16,518.

He said the number is expected to increase significantly in the run-up to Expo 2020.

Last month, Dubai said it is slashing municipality fees on sales at local restaurants and hotels from 10 percent to 7 percent.

The move, which was ordered by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, is designed to reduce the cost of doing business in Dubai and help promote it as a destination.

Statistics issued by Dubai Customs in parallel with Gulfood 2018 showed that imports had the lion’s share with AED44.6 billion, followed by exports with AED12.6 billion and re-exports with AED12.9 billion.